This is a beautiful and very rare old altar cross of carved wood. Its wood mounting and the wood altar cross are in good structural condition. The altar cross design reminds us of Black Forest style. This piece came from France. The cross measures 16″ H and 6″ W and 3-3/4” D. This cross depicts Christ and the instruments of His Passion. Also known as the Arma Christi (“Weapons of Christ”).

The InstrumentsDepictions of the Instruments of the Passion may include many combinations of those following (though the cross of Jesus is almost always represented). A primary group of the most frequently used instruments can be distinguished:

The Cross on which Jesus was crucified

The whips, used for the 39 lashes

The Holy Sponge set on a reed, with which gall and vinegar were offered to Jesus

The Holy Lance with which a Roman soldier inflicted the final of the Five Wounds in his side

The Crown of Thorns

The ladder used for the Deposition, i.e. the removal of Christ’s body from the cross for burial